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When should you use a married filing jointly?

Updated: 8/21/2019
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Q: When should you use a married filing jointly?
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Is it illegal to use filing status of married filing a joint return when when your not legally married?

Yes.


What form do i use if i am filing married filing single?

There is only one instane that you should file married filing separately, it is by far the worst way to file, if you are married use the standard deduction if you do not itemize, the only way I would file separately (even if I am separated from my wife) is if she won a million dollars in the lottery and refused to report it on our tax report, I do not want to go to prison with her so I would file separate and have nothing to do with it. You would use a normal 1040 or 1040EZ/ A and at the top check "married filing separately". You gain the same standard deduction as filing single and you can only claim children once per return (another reason to file jointly). Whoever files taxes first will gain the benefit of claiming the children.


What tax form do you need if married filing separately with claiming dependents?

You can use a 1040 or a 1040A if you are filing Married Filing Separately.


If your married but not living together can you still file married jointly?

Yes because you are still married you would qualify to use the MFJ status.


Can you file joint if your husband files single and you are still legally married?

Unless your husband is in reality your ex-husband under a decree of divorce or separate maintenance, he is not allowed to "file single." (Filing single is not the same thing as "married filing separately.") If you are married, the only filing statuses you may use are: 1) Married filing jointly 2) Married filing separately 3) Head of Household under rare circumstances where your spouse did not live with you at all during the last six months of the year, is not reasonably expected to return, and you maintain a household for a qualifying dependent child. If your husband has already filed, properly or improperly, your only choice is Married Filing Separately (or Head of Household if you qualify). Your husband can't file two returns. If your husband comes to his senses later, you can amend your returns and file a joint return.


What is Form 1040ez?

Form 1040EZ is the easiest of the three income tax forms someone can use to file their federal income taxes. If taxable income is less than $100,000 AND you don't claim any dependents AND you file as single or are married filing jointly, then fill out Form 1040EZ.


What is the difference in filing married single or married jointly?

Usually it is more beneficial to file as married filing joint than it is to file as married filing separate. To answer your question you will have to prepare a return both ways using the correct standard deduction for each filing status and if one itemizes the other should itemize also as the others standard deduction is -0-. If you do not itemize then the standard deduction for each is $5,700 for 2009.For more information go to the IRS.gov web site and use the search boxes for the publication and tax topic. Publication 501, Exemptions, Standard Deduction, and Filing Information Tax Topic 353, What is your filing status Publication 504 , Divorced or Separated IndividualsAnd if you live in a community property state you could have other considerations to think about.You may be able to claim itemized deductions on a separate return for certain expenses that you paid separately or jointly with your spouse. Deductible expenses that are paid out of separate funds, such as medical expenses, are deductible by the spouse who pays them. If these expenses are paid from community funds, the deduction may depend on whether or not you live in a community property state. In a community property state, the deduction is, generally, divided equally between you and your spouse. For more information refer to Publication 555, Community Property.


Should you file taxes married filing jointly or married filing seprately?

This will have to be you and your spouse decision that both will have to make on your own.You should prepare a tax return both ways to determine which way will be best for you to file your income tax return.If you are receiving social security benefits on your MFS (married filing separate) on your 1040 federal tax return 85% of your SSB will be taxable income to you and would be added to all of your other gross worldwide income and taxed at your marginal tax rate.Usually it is more beneficial to file as married filing joint than it is to file as married filing separate. To answer your question you will have to prepare a return both ways using the correct standard deduction for each filing status and if one itemizes the other should itemize also as the others standard deduction is -0-. If you do not itemize then the standard deduction for each is $5,700 for 2009.For more information go to the IRS gov website and use the search box for the publications and tax topic. Publication 501, Exemptions, Standard Deduction, and Filing Information Tax Topic 353, What is your filing status Publication 504 , Divorced or Separated IndividualsAnd if you live in a community property state you could have other considerations to think about.You may be able to claim itemized deductions on a separate return for certain expenses that you paid separately or jointly with your spouse. Deductible expenses that are paid out of separate funds, such as medical expenses, are deductible by the spouse who pays them. If these expenses are paid from community funds, the deduction may depend on whether or not you live in a community property state. In a community property state, the deduction is, generally, divided equally between you and your spouse. For more information refer to Publication 555, Community Property.


Do married people have to file their taxes jointly?

No, but you will get a better return if you do. Married people must file either Married Filing Jointly (MFJ) or Married Filing Separately (MFS). Generally MFJ will give you more tax deductions, exemptions and tax credits. MFS, you cannot take the student loan interest deduction, the tuition and fees deduction, the education credits, or earned income tax credit. Also if your spouse itemizes deduction you must itemize deductions also, even if you would be better off taking the standard deduciton. Both spouses must use the same deduction method. If you are legally separated according to your state law under a decree of divorce or separate maintenance, you can file as a single filer.


How do I know if I can use the 1040ez tax form instead of 1040A?

The 1040EZ are for people under the age of 65, filing either "Single" or "Married Filing Jointly" who are not claiming dependents and earned less than $100,000 in income. If you (and/or your spouse) are blind, plan to itemize your deductions, made more then $1500 in interest, or have any other situations that prevent you from taking the standard deduction, you are not eligible to file using the 1040EZ.


Getting the Best Tax Refund?

Every year, there are many people that eagerly anticipate filing their taxes. Some people actually look forward to filing their taxes, because they know that they will be able to qualify for a large tax return. Other people enjoy filing their taxes, because they simply like getting their finances in order. If a person wants to truly get the best tax refund possible, there are a few steps that he or she can take. First of all, a person should always pay attention to his or her filing status. If a person is married, then it is a good idea for that person to file as married filing jointly. If a married couple files as married filing separately, then this will dramatically impact that person's refund. It is always to a person's benefit to file as married filing jointly as opposed to married filing separately. Next, a person should have a good understanding of the types of credits that are available. For example, if one is a student, then there are various educational credits that he or she can take advantage of. Or, if one has children, then there are a variety of child tax credits that he or she may wish to take on. A person can also choose to use a variety of other tax credits. If one is an elderly person or retired, then there are certain credits that these people may also be able to qualify for. A tax credit will simply add on some cash to the tax refund amount that a person is supposed to qualify for. It is always fun for a person to figure out how many different credits he or she can claim on a tax return. A person should also be sure to take a standard deduction over an itemized deduction, depending on his or her income level. Often, it pays for people with a lower income to take a standard deduction, as opposed to an itemized deduction. For whatever reason, the standard deduction ends up being more money than other sorts of deductions. It is a good idea for a person to take a standard deduction over other types.


Tax Return Calculator?

form_title= Tax Return Calculator form_header= Get the most back from your return. Use a calculator. What will your filing status be?*= {Single, Married filing Joint, Married Filing Separate, Head of Household, Widow} Do you have any children?*= () Yes () No What is your age?*= _ What was your income?*= _ Are you continuing your education?*= () Yes () No